4. Why do I have to be a membef USA Triathlon (USAT) or buy a one-day license and what does that insurance cover?

USA Triathlon will sanction IRONMAN Boulder. To complete the online registration process, athletes will need to enter their USAT annual license number or athletes can purchase a one-day license ($15.00 USD) or annual license ($50.00 USD) during online registration. Athletes must bring their photo identification and show proof of current USAT membership during Athlete Check-In. Otherwise, it will be required to purchase a one day license on-site. Please visit http://www.usatriathlon.org/ for a complete set of the competitive rules.

7. How do I determine whether I should race as an age-grouper or a professional?

Professionals must hold a valid professional/elite card or a letter from their country’s federation. For more information on IRONMAN pro membership, please log onto www.ironmanpromembership.com. You must declare your status to race in that division. Otherwise you will be in the Age Group category determined by your birth date.

All qualifying events will implement both the International Triathlon Federation and USA Triathlon's Age Group Competition rule: All Age Group athletes must complete in their Age Group division corresponding to the athlete's age on December 31st of the year of the event.

Registration - Athlete Check In

2. Can a family member/friend check-in for me and pick-up my race packet?

No - only registered athletes are allowed into Athlete Check-In. You will be required to verify your medical information and sign your event waivers. Please bring your photo ID and USAT card (if applicable) during the designated check-in hours. All athletes MUST check-in during designated hours. NO EXCEPTIONS!

3. What if I cannot make it to Athlete Check-In within the designated hours?

You must check in and pick up your race packet during designated check-in hours.

This rule is in effect for a number of important reasons and exists to make your experience the best, safest and most stress-free it can be. The scheduling of Athlete Check-In is designed to allow each athlete the opportunity to become oriented with the venue, acclimated to the area and receive all the necessary information needed to have a successful race. We want to ensure the very best experience for you, not only on race day, but throughout the weekend’s activities. By posting the Athlete Check-In hours months in advance, we try to make sure that everyone has ample time to prepare for the activities of race week. Please make your travel plans accordingly.

Registration - Qualifying Spots

2. How does the Age Group slot allocation for the IRONMAN World Championships work?

Prior to race day, at least one slot shall be tentatively allocated to each Age Group category (both male and female). Final Slot Allocation will be determined on race day based on the number of official starters in each Age Group.

If there are no starters in a particular Age Group, then that slot will be moved to the next calculated Age Group within the gender.

Final Slot Allocation shall be representative of the actual number of Age Group starters in each category in the race.

Athletes MUST claim their slot in-person during the IRONMAN World Championship Slot Allocation and Rolldown Ceremony. Please check the schedule of events for time and location.

Slot Allocation and Rolldown will be completed together in the same ceremony for all IRONMAN events. Please check the schedule of events for time and location.

Anyone who wishes to claim a Rolldown slot must attend the IRONMAN World Championship Slot Allocation and Roll-Down Ceremony and claim their slot in person.

If an automatic qualifier in an Age Group chooses not to take the slot, does not attend the IRONMAN World Championship Slot Allocation and Rolldown Ceremony, or has already qualified, the next eligible finisher in that Age Group may claim the slot that has rolled down.

If there are no more eligible finishers in a particular Age Group or no other finishers in attendance at the IRONMAN World Championship Slot Allocation and Rolldown Ceremony in that Age Group, that unclaimed slot will be reallocated to another Age Group within the gender based on the athletes-to-slots ratio.

The Age Group within the gender with the largest athletes-to-slots ratio will receive the first reallocated slot, followed by the next largest ratio receiving the second re-allocated slot (if applicable), and so on.

4. What is the Anti-Doping Policy for athletes accepting IRONMAN World Championship slots?

Each age-group athlete who accepts a qualifying slow for the IRONMAN World Championship or the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship is subject to IRONMAN's Anti-Doping Rules and will be required to sign a waiver - The World Championship Events Anti-Doping and Qualifying Slot Waiver for Age-Group Athletes.

The waiver serves to provide additional notification of and consent to IRONMAN's Anti-Doping Program, which includes IRONMAN's efforts to combat, deter, and test for doping in accordance with IRONMAN's Anti-Doping Rules.

Course - Swim

1. What kind of start does this race have?

The swim will be a rolling start.

Athletes will enter the water in a continuous stream through a controlled access point, similar to how running road races are started. An athlete’s times will start when they cross timing mats under the swim arch.

Athletes will be directed to self-seed on race morning based on their projected swim time. Volunteers and staff will be in the staging area with signs and will assist with this process. Self-seeding will not be mandatory but will be encouraged. All athletes will have access to a dedicated warm-up area in the water located adjacent to the swim start.

Wetsuits are permitted if the water temperature is up to (and including) 76.1 degrees Fahrenheit (24.5 degrees Celsius) or colder.

Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit (28.8 degrees Celsius).

Athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit in water temperatures 76.2 degrees Farhrenheit (24.55 degrees Celsius) and up to 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit (28.77 degrees Celsius) will not be eligible for Age Group awards, including World Championship or Rolldown slots.

Full wetsuits are permitted (arms and legs covered).

The De Soto Water Rover and the Speedo Elite Triathlon Wetsuit with forearm flaps wetsuits are PROHIBITED.

Athletes should contact the wetsuit manufacturer directly to confirm whether their suit is legal.

Race Officials will be monitoring athletes on race morning to enforce wetsuit restrictions.

Swimwear (Skinsuits/Speedsuits) must be 100% textile material, which is defined as materials consisting of natural and/or synthetic, individual and non-consolidated yarns used to constitute a fabric by weaving, knitting and/or braiding. Simply put, this would generally refer to suits made only from nylon or Lycra that do not have any rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene. Swimwear must not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor extend past the knees. Swimwear may contain a zipper. A race kit may be worn underneath swimwear.

5. In the event of a non-wetsuit swim, am I allowed to wear my compression gear?

Yes, provided that it is made of 100% textile material (no rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene) and that material does not extend past the elbows or knees. Any compression wear that extends past the elbows or knees will not be permitted in non-wetsuit swims (this includes compression sleeves, compression socks, or compression tights).

If you are struggling and decide that you require assistance do your best to remain calm, raise your hand high into the air/shout to get the attention of the support boats and move to the outside of the course if you are able. You can hold on to a boat without being disqualified as long as the boat does not provide propulsion. There will also be resting rafts available throughout the course.

No. The roads into the reservoir will be closed to all traffic except for buses and permitted vehicles. Do not attempt to drive up to the reservoir for the swim start. All spectators, athletes, and general public will be required to use the shuttle to get to the swim start. There will NOT be any parking available at the Boulder Reservoir.

Spectators/Coaches

1. Where is the best place to watch IRONMAN Boulder?

SWIM:Ride the shuttles to the Boulder Reservoir and pick a spot on the reservoir dam to watch your athlete kick off their day.BIKE: Head to Co Rd 6 and I-25 underpass for excellent and safe viewing for your athlete.

RUN: Boulder City Library Lawn, Scott Carpenter Park, and the Boulder High School are all excellent viewing areas to see your athlete many times.
HOW DO I TRACK MY ATHLETE: The tracking is ONLY available on race day. Please visit ironman.com and click on ‘Live Coverage’ at the top of the page and select the correct race. Select ‘Athlete Tracker’ and you can search by bib number or last name.

Friends and/or family members are not permitted to cross the finish line or enter the finish chute with participating athletes. This policy allows each competitor adequate time to celebrate their accomplishment without interfering with other finishers and ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers and fans. Athletes who choose not to respect the policy will receive an automatic disqualification (DQ).

Unfortunately, due to high congestion in the finish line area, no spectators will be allowed. Please do not try to gain access to this area, as it must remain clear for the safety of the athletes. Before the event, you and your athlete should decide on a meeting place for after they have finished.

4. Will I be allowed into the medical tent if my athlete has been admitted?

The Medical Tent is highly congested and spectators will not be allowed in. There will be a Medical Information Tent next to the Medical Tent where medical updates will be available on athletes who enter the Medical Tent.

5. Will I be permitted to take my vehicle on the course to follow my athlete?

No, for safety reasons we ask that you do not attempt to follow your athlete by car. The best place to watch your athlete is in the transition area and the finish line. Any vehicular traffic on the race course should expect long delays. Please do not attempt to gain access to the race course with your vehicle. We want to keep the course as safe as possible for the athletes.

Yes, during the event there will be live race day coverage including athlete tracking and up-to-date race results.

The tracking is ONLY available on race day. You can go to ironman.com and click on ‘Live Coverage’ at the top of the page and select the correct race. Select ‘Athlete Tracker’ and you can search by bib number or last name.

Lost and Found items will be available at the Information Booth (hours can be found in the Event Schedule) during race week. It is recommended that you mark your gear with your race number as IRONMAN is not responsible for lost items.

After the conclusion of the event, please contact boulder@ironman.com to locate any missing items and schedule returns. Shipping fees will apply.

The IRONMAN Village features various booths - including a showcase of official IRONMAN Merchandise, IRONMAN exhibitors, bike shops, as well as many other services and products. It provides a perfect gathering and meeting place for athletes and spectators.

Please view the Event Schedule for IRONMAN Village location and hours.

FinisherPix is proud to be selected as the Official Photo Service of IRONMAN Boulder.

FinisherPix will have several photographers working at the swim exit, on the bike course, on the run course, and of course, at the Finish Line! In addition, FinisherPix will have photographers positioned after the finish where you can have a photo taken after you receive your medal.

So what do you need to do?

1.

Register your email address at www.finisherpix.com to be notified as soon as photos are online.

2.

Please be sure you have your number visible on the FRONT of your bike helmet so we can identify your cycling photos.

3.

Please be sure to keep your bib number visible on the FRONT of your body during the run & at the finish line so we can identify your photos.

4.

Smile & celebrate when you cross the finish line! Don’t worry about touching your watch, the timing company will ensure an accurate record of your achievement.

Please log into your IRONMAN Profile Account to make any changes or updates to a TriClub affiliation you may have. Affiliations must be finalized by race week for points to count towards that race. If you have any questions, please email triclub@ironman.com.